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| Sunday, 4 May 2003 |
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Features |  |
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The evergreen fern by Gwen Herat POLYSTCHUM MUNITUM which grows about three feet in height and spreads around to about four feet is a luxuriant fern ideal for moist beds in semi shade. It can be potted in large containers held in moist soil with aeration facilities provided to hold good. If grown indoor, the fern leaves must be constantly wiped with a wet sponge to keep the pores open. As far as I can recall, my first contact with an evergreen fern was when I looked down into my grandmother's well. That was my first contact and it did intrigue me until later I was to know that botanically it is called Polystichum Munitum. Never for a moment did I realise that decades had to pass for me to distinguish the Deciduous from the Evergreen. That insignificant plant which caught my imagination has gone through many changes to produce the varieties we see in our gardens. These foliage plants have inspires gardeners and horticulturists to the extent that some have commercial value. If you happen to live near a woodland or in the wet zone, the chance is that you will come across them growing freely. Their unmistakable shuttlecocks deeply and delicately divided fronds provide one of the most familiar features that make up our local natural landscapes. However, they are not just limited to woodlands or wet zones but have made their way into our gardens and homes over the past few decades. As a result, a huge variety of species can be found. They have originated from woods, ditches and streambeds. Some can even be traced to hillsides, mountains and ravines. They only need a wet base, shade and cool atmosphere. There are several species belonging to the genus Dryoptens which originated in British gardens and subsequently tropicalised into Asian gardens, and found in Sri Lanka too. All ferns have fibrous roots that support a short base basal crown. They produce erect fonds consisting of leafless basal portion known as the blade. Green leafy segments are arranged on either side of the upper stalks. Turn over a fond when it is maturing and you will observe the underside of the leafy segments are lined on either side of the midrib. They will possess tiny pale spots. These are known as spore clusters and later age to brown in colour on ripening and discharge contents that the wind will carry near and far. Spore clusters These will form minute green and delicate blades once they are settled on a suitably moist surface. These blades will range from 5mm across coctaining male and female organs. The female grows into tiny ferns when the male organ successfully fertilise and the cycle is repeated. It can take from five months to several years depending on the spore to produce a tiny fern. That is why that one would find this process in village wells. You will find a rush of ferns luxuriantly spread below the surface of the well one season and the next they are gone only to surface a year later. It is a wonderful cycle of nature not found among other plants easily. The male factor It is easy to identify the male species. Turn over a fond and you will find that spore clusters are covered with a kidney-shaped silky cap called the indusium. They protect the spores until they are mature. Observe the whole plant in general. You will find the crown and stipe are covered with tiny pale brown or reddish papery scales. The golden scaled male fern is densely covered with shaggy blades. Some have a distinct golden or yellow cast when they are emerging out in later stage of growth. My favourite fern is the Polystichum Munitum, sometimes mistaken for Bead Fern. Decorative In Sri Lanka, ferns are not identified by their names by the amateur gardener. Other than that few are grown as decorative plants for bouquets and floral arrangements, most ferns go unnoticed and unsung. Sri Lankan forests are the best locations to discover ferns of different varieties and one will be amazed at their quality and variety. They multiply by their old, multiti-crowned clumps that live for many years even when the main plants die and keep producing them over and over again. It is a natural process which cannot be expected from gardens because ferns are essentially nature-loving plants, happy in their environment. In the Deciduou group, an exotic fern in the Affinis which can grow in clusters and make a jungle of it. Clumps can be separated foe reestablishment. Grows anywhere and is adaptable to climatical changes. A different fern is the D. diatata which also has the spreading out tendency but with a remarkable arching nature. Their fronds are distinctly broad based or triangular in outline. The leaves are darker green at maturity. This variety differs from the rest as they possess blades that are thrice divided. They are not once or twice divided. The scales on the stipes are characteristically pale brown with dark chocolate brown centres. As ferns enjoy moist locations, many varieties can grow together comfortably to fill a ditch or ravine. On riverbanks, ferns provide pleasing and dramatic, yet natural features for landscapes. Ferns and lady ferns produce a welter of variations surprisingly given the abundance. Under these situations, many gardeners seize the opportunity to collect and decorate shady corners and nooks. Fern is one lucky plant for the moment because Sri Lankan gardeners allow them to be where they rightfully belong... the wild. EVERGREEN FERNS DECIDUOUS FERNS Harts Toung Fern Try retaining them in the natural habitat or if you must, provide similar conditions. Plenty of shade and moist in the soil is all that they need. However, and occasional spray of a light foliar spray will encourage the leaves to look brighter but should be supplied in small quantities. If grown indoor, keep plants away a safe distance from lights and never for a moment place them directly under lights. |
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